Updates & Events

Soap Making Workshop -- April 26, Clinton. Soap making is a process that dates back hundreds of years. This workshop, for beginners or experienced soap makers, will provide an overview of the soap making process including specifics about glycerin, goat's milk botanical and herb soaps. The workshop will conclude with a producer roundtable discussion on marketing soap products, and registration includes lunch featuring local foods.

Date: Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: DeWitt County Extension Center

Registration (includes lunch): $20 to adults, $15 for children 

To register, call the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, (217) 498-9707, or e-mail contact information to bridget@illinoisstewardshipalliance.org.

This workshop is provided by a grant from the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program and co-sponsored by Illinois Stewardship Alliance, The Land Connection, Peoria County Initiative for the Development of Entrepreneurs in Agriculture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, University of Illinois Extension, and the Western Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Society.

Finding Homegrown Food in Springfield -- Thanks to the hundreds of people who attended our "Meet Your Local Producers" event in Springfield! Attendees got to meet farmers in their area, taste-test and learn about the benefits of buying locally produced foods, and find out where to buy their products. This event was co-sponsored by Slow Food Springfield. 

The Food, Farms and Jobs Act is law! After receiving overwhelming support in the legislature, Gov. Blagojevich signed the Food, Farms and Jobs Act into law. This Act created a task force that will investigate ways to promote local foods and organic foods across the state. The task force will make recommendations to the General Assembly on how we can create a comprehensive food system for Illinois, so that more of the food we eat is grown right here in the state. For more information or to signup for the email listserv, contact Bridget at (217) 498-9707 or bridget@illinoisstewardshipalliance.org.

Thank you to all the participants of Rolling on the River! On August 25th, 467 cyclists biked for the environment while riding through the beautiful Fox River Valley. The event supported three environmental organizations in Illinois: Illinois Stewardship Alliance, Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund, and Prairie Rivers Network. For photos of this year's event go to: www.rollingriverride.org. 

Michael Scully and the McKnight Foundation challenge grants:  donations to ISA will be matched dollar for dollar for limited time.  Please consider becoming a member today, and Michael Scully and the McKnight Foundation will triple your donation.  By becoming a member of ISA you are helping to save family farms and protecting your choice for healthy, farm-fresh food.  Please go to our membership page.